Molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants

ABSTRACT

A molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The molded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The molded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The molded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a moulded body for improving thecultivating conditions of plants.

It is known that the roots of plants in containers of all kinds,particularly in planting pots, mainly develop in the lower border areasand at the bottom of the containers. A dense mat of roots develops ifthe plants are not repotted in time. Later on, the roots will spreadinto the inner area of the root ball, thereby thickening the entire rootball, particularly of quickly growing plants. The following problems arethe result:

-   -   poor and/or irregular distribution of the water or nutrient        solution;    -   formation of cracks and channels between the root ball and the        walls of the pot, causing a one-sided water drain and an        insufficient water supply in portions of the root ball;    -   quick drying-out of the entire root ball;    -   deficiency symptoms of the plants;    -   dying plants;    -   if the water is poured into a saucer or a cachepot of the        planting container, only the lower portion of the root ball is        supplied where the densest root mat is located. If the water        remains in the saucer for a long time, the still intact and        healthy roots will start to rot. The consequences are damages of        the roots and plants that may lead to complete decay.

Plants having a low water consumption, e.g. indoor plants in shadyplaces, are often watered excessively and thereby virtually drowned.Most indoor plants mainly suffer from too frequent watering and tooshort watering intervals, so that the root ball cannot start drying ordry out. The results are oxygen deficiency and over-acidification of thesubstrate in soil cultures.

Further problems resulting from the compacting of the root ball underthese conditions are the development of phytotoxic substances, pestinfestations and fungous diseases on roots and plants, dropping leaves,decay of plant parts or of the entire plant.

Especially with potted plants, the planting container is often too smalland there is not enough room for the roots of the plant. Normal wateringfrom above results in superficial mudding, the wettability of the plantsubstrate (soil) decreases, and the water will preponderantly run downbetween the planting container and the substrate without penetratinginto the substrate. The results are nutrient and water deficiency andthus growth depressions, dropping leaves, pest infestations and diseasesdue to reduced resistance, and decay of parts or of entire plants.

Planting containers of all kinds are mostly provided with so-calleddrainage holes for excess water to flow off, the water having absorbednutrients in most cases. On one hand, this leads to nutrient losses, andon the other hand, facades and floors are soiled by the drained uncleanwater.

For a controlled or economical watering, the following systems areknown:

-   -   inserts forming reservoirs;    -   capillary wicks, mats, fleeces etc.;    -   drip watering;    -   water containers that are insertable from the top, the portion        inserted in the plant substrate being porous to allow the        penetration of water, and the water supply being stored in a        container located above this portion or just in the insert        itself.

Remaining drawbacks of these systems are:

-   -   irregular moisture supply;    -   deficient or poor aeration of the root ball;    -   choking and/or mudding after prolonged use of the capillary        systems (wicks, fleeces, burnt clays [too fine pored]),        particularly due to calciferous water and efflorescence;    -   labour-intensive production and complicated application;    -   unattractive design;    -   demanding logistics;    -   unfavorable price-performance ratio.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mouldedbody for improving the cultivating conditions of plants that allows animproved supply of roots, especially by water and/or air, also in thecase of compacted roots.

Another object consists in providing a design of the moulded body thatallows its combination with known plant containers.

One of the main aspects of the invention consists in placing a mouldedbody in a planting container. The moulded body is provided with apreferably conical projection extending into the interior of theplanting container, i.e. into the plant substrate and thus into the rootball. The apex of the projection and/or its envelope are provided withapertures allowing the penetration of water or air from the interior ofthe moulded body into the plant substrate. At the lower end of theprojection the base is provided, which has essentially the form of aflat portion or plate which extends approximately perpendicularly to theprojection. In the case of a conical projection, the base may e.g. be inthe form of a ring connected to the foot of the projection. On the otherside of the base, e.g. at the rim, a lip is provided, thereby delimitingan area on this side of the base in the manner of a wall and thusdelimiting a depression on this side of the base.

Hence, in the simplest case, the moulded body resembles a sombrero wherethe rim of the base comprises a downwardly projecting collar.

In an alternative embodiment, the watering effect near the surface ispromoted by the fact that the conical projection is almost or entirelywater-impermeable near the top, whereas it is water-permeable and/orprovided with holes at the lower, wider end. This body is intended forbeing inserted in the plant substrate from above with the apex extendingdownwards, whereby the apex forms a water reservoir while water may exitat the lower end of the projection, i.e. near the surface of the plantsubstrate.

Alternatively or additionally, the moulded body is made from awater-permeable material, e.g. of clay, so that a liquid exchangethrough the material and within the material is possible.

The conical shape is advantageous in that a moulded body of this kindcan be impressed into the plant substrate with the apex first. At leastthe portion of the moulded body that is to be inserted into the plantsubstrate is hollow or made of a material that is capable of absorbingand conducting liquids, e.g. through the capillary effect. This innerspace is still accessible for supplying water after the insertion of themoulded body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention shall be further explained by means of exemplaryembodiments and with reference to figures, where

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a planting container with a mouldedbody;

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a planting container fitted on amoulded body;

FIGS. 3 to 12 show different embodiments of the moulded body insectional views;

FIGS. 13 to 15 show sectional views of moulded bodies intended forinsertion from above;

FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of a sieve insert;

FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of a planting container with mouldedbodies at the bottom and inserted from above;

FIG. 18 shows a front view of a planting pot with a watering aid; and

FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of a planting container with anintegrated moulded body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a moulded body 1 according to the invention in theform of an insert 2 in a planting pot 3 (FIG. 1) and in the form of asupport 5, respectively. In both cases, planting pot 1 is placed in asaucer 7. In FIG. 1, the essentially annular base 9 of the moulded body1 is covered with porous granules 10. Such granular materials are knownper se for planting purposes. The layer of granules is a little higherthan the upper edge of saucer 7. Thus, the non-represented soil with theroot ball contained therein cannot get into direct contact with thewater surface in the planting pot as the maximum level is determined byupper edge 6 of saucer 7. The water exchange with saucer 7 is ensured bydrainage hole 8.

One characteristic feature is cone 15 extending into the soil. At theapex and/or laterally near the apex, it is provided with apertures 17.These apertures allow the supply of air and/or water from the interiorof cone 15 to the root ball near the center thereof, but also thedischarge of excess water.

Furthermore, the moulded body is made of a porous, water-conductingmaterial. Therefore, water is conducted to the apex by capillary forces,and an exchange both of water and air is possible through the walls ofcone 15 as well as through base 9. Thus, the moulded body also providesa certain storage capacity for water and nutrients.

A particularly suitable material for moulded body 1 is burnt clay thatis as porous as possible.

Tests have shown that the material of the moulded body becomesimpermeable to water in a relatively short time if the porosity isinsufficient. Besides lime deposits, additives in the water such asnutrients may be deposited. Thus, a sufficient high porosity ensures thefunction of the moulded body for prolonged periods. Methods foradjusting the porosity are known to those skilled in the art.

The single moulded body 2 is basically suitable also for an attachmentto a planting pot 3 from below. Moulded body 5 illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3 comprises an additional annular ridge 19 on the circumference ofbase 9, thereby creating an annular trough 20 around cone 15. Thistrough forms a first water reservoir that is directly accessible to theroots. Excess water simply flows down along the outside of cone 9, iscollected in trough 20 and may gradually flow back into pot 3.

The saucer may also be in the form of a trough disposed inside theplanting pot, the moulded body being placed on top of the trough.

All in all, the following advantages are obtained:

-   -   increased cultivating safety;    -   no rotting in the lower root area;    -   no washout of nutrients due to the water and nutrient storage        inter alia in water-storing cone 15;    -   improved distribution of the roots in the root ball (soil ball)        due to the regular water and nutrient distribution, especially        through the apex of cone 15;    -   an additional closure of the drainage holes in the bottom of        planting pots (e.g. by means of clay pieces) is no longer        required;    -   improved growth of roots and plants;    -   moulded bodies are stackable for storage;    -   longer repotting and watering intervals.

Hereinafter, some advantageous variants and modes of application of themoulded body will be given:

According to FIG. 3, a granular material 21 or another absorbentmaterial may be filled into trough 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the space 26below moulded body 1 also acts as a reservoir. This space allows theinsertion e.g. of a slow-release nutrient capsule, thereby ensuring acontinuous, long-lasting nutrient supply. FIG. 5 shows a third variantwhere an elastic, water-permeable hoop or ring 27, e.g. in the form ofsponge, is provided at the edge of the base and prevents that granulesor soil penetrate into the reservoir underneath the moulded body. At thesame time, excess water is immediately conducted into moulded body 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show embodiments having cones 15 of increasing height.These extend far into the interior also of tall planting containerswhere they ensure aeration and water supply. On the other hand, however,the increasing risk of ruptures of the cone, especially at the apex,will be taken into account by an appropriate design and choice ofmaterials.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, a fleece or watering mat 28 isplaced on base 9. This is necessary especially for moulded bodies madeof synthetic material or generally of non-capillary materials to ensurethe conduction of water from the base to the apex of the cone. Accordingto FIG. 7, base 9 comprises two annular ridges 30. These provide abetter support of a planting container fitted on moulded body 1 whilesimultaneously forming a water reservoir 31 that is somewhat smallerthan in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 8, a water-retaining sponge 33 is inserted in cavity 26. In theembodiment according to FIG. 9, the apex of the cone is provided with anenlarged opening 35 for the insertion e.g. of a wick 29, of a capillary,absorbent plastics element, or of a sponge (not shown) for theconduction of water.

According to FIG. 10, a capillary moulded body 39, e.g. a sponge, may beinserted in the space 38 between base 9 and the wall of plantingcontainer 3 in order to store water and to prevent that soil maypenetrate into the reservoir (the “wet zone”). The capillary body mayalso be placed under the rim of the moulded body. In this case, itprovides a sealing of cavity 26 that results in a slower drainingespecially of water from the plant substrate. Moreover, the capillarybody improves the transporting and storage properties as it protects thelower edge of the moulded body from shocks.

The moulded body itself is preferably made of highly porous burnt clayhaving a relatively high water conduction, permeability, and storagecapacity. Important parameters regarding the properties of the claymaterial are the burning duration, the burning method and the burningtemperature. The material of the moulded body, particularly clay, mayadditionally be mixed with porosity-increasing substances such asperlite, pumice, wood dust, or sawdust. Also possible are e.g. clayshaving a high cation exchanging capacity such as zeolites, particularlyfor the purpose of storing nutrients and releasing them over prolongedperiods.

However, the moulded body may also be made of less porous clay as it iscurrently used for flower pots, or else of synthetic materials.Particularly in the latter case, the moulded bodies must be providedwith apertures for the passage of water and air. Generally, in highlyporous moulded bodies, an additional passage through apertures near theapex of the cone is only required for aeration.

Especially when plastics materials are used, the upper side and/or theunderside, i.e. essentially the cavity 26 of the base, as well as theinside of the cone may be provided with a water-conducting layer inorder to ensure the transport of water to the cone and along the latter.This may be a glued-on mat, but sprayed-on materials are possible aswell.

Instead of the cone, projections of other shapes are conceivable too.However, a somehow conical shape is preferable for the insertion intothe plant substrate. The conical shape also provides stackability andmay serve as a handle for the insertion in and the removal from plantingcontainers.

FIG. 11 shows an elongated embodiment 40 that is particularly suitablefor insertion in rectangular planting boxes 42.

Instead of a separate body, moulded body 40 may also be formed as anintegral component of box 42, i.e. the moulded body simultaneouslyconstitutes the bottom of box 42.

FIG. 12 shows a ninth embodiment 44 with a rectangular base 45 on whichtwo cones 47 are formed. This embodiment is intended particularly forapplications in bonsai planting containers and reduces the high burdenof cultivation. At the same time, it provides increased safety withregard to insufficient or excessive watering, to which especially bonsaiplants are very sensitive.

FIG. 13 shows a tenth embodiment of a moulded body 46 that is designedfor being thrust into the plant substrate from above. It is essentiallycomposed of a cone 48 with a collar 49. Cone 48 is almost or perfectlywater-impermeable in the area 53 from apex 50 up to about the center inorder to form a water reservoir. As it is e.g. made of clay, awater-impermeable insert 52, e.g. of plastics material, is inserted inthe lower portion 53. A watertight or water-inhibiting coating is alsopossible. The sealing layer may also cover the entire internal and/orexternal surface of moulded body 46. Preferably, it extends over aminimal height of a quarter of the height of moulded body 46. If it ishigher than e.g. three quarters of the projection, resp. if it extendsover the entire height of the moulded body, the upper area must beprovided with apertures 54 allowing the water exchange. Basically,apertures 54 allow the direct distribution of supplied water that is notcollected in the reservoir in lower portion 53 to the surrounding plantsubstrate. Therefore, in this embodiment, they are useful watering aidsindependently of the material of the moulded body.

This moulded body may also be made of the conventional burnt clay ofrelatively low porosity as this material will choke in a relativelyshort time and thus become sufficiently water-impermeable for thepurposes of the invention. The water exchange between the reservoir andthe plant substrate is ensured by the transport of the water in thereservoir to the water-permeable portion by capillary forces (granularfilling; capillary wall material). There, the plant substrate,preferably however a capillary granular material 51, is in directcontact with the capillary material constituting the moulded body itselfor contained therein to ensure the water exchange. Therefore, for anoptimum effect, the moulded body 46 is embedded in granules 51.

As mentioned, it is possible to provide the sealing means on theoutside, whereby the capillary material of moulded body 46 is enabledalso to effect the water transport from the reservoir in the lowerportion 53 to the exchange area in the upper portion 55 (see below, FIG.15). Preferably, in this case, a water-impermeable envelope or layer 62may be provided on the outside in order to prevent the penetration ofwater in the lower area of the moulded body and thus to achieve aprolonged moisturizing effect through the supply of water in the upperarea.

The moulded body may also consist in its entirety of an almost ortotally water-impermeable material, e.g. of a plastics material. In thiscase, the apertures 54 should be provided or other measures should betaken to ensure a liquid exchange in the upper portion 55. Regular clayor materials of similar fine porosity generally exhibit an insufficientpermeability, which is soon further reduced by silting or by limedeposits.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 14 by an eleventh embodiment, thewater-impermeable lower portion 53 constitutes a reservoir, while in theupper portion 55, the water may pass through apertures 54 (when themoulded body is quite full) and/or through the water-permeable materialof moulded body 46 according to arrows 56. When the water level fallsbelow the limit between the water-permeable and the water-impermeableportions, the water supply is ensured by capillary forces. For thispurpose, moulded body 46 is filled with porous, capillary granules 57.

The water consumption is thereby reduced, and the water supply ismaintained over a longer period. To sustain the water supply in thisphase, it is possible to provide capillary systems (wick, sponge)extending e.g. from apex 50 through apertures 54.

This eleventh embodiment comprises a heightened rim 58 to prevent theinflow of surrounding plant substrate during watering. In addition, onthe inside, a funnel-moulded sieve insert 59 is provided which, besidespreventing the penetration of impurities, also increases the waterstorage capacity as it forms an internal space that is free of granules.

FIG. 15 shows a variant in which the entire moulded body consists of aporous body. The water in the lower area is thus conducted up to thewater-permeable section 55 by the walls of moulded body 46, so that afilling with a capillary material is not necessary. In this embodiment,it is also conceivable to use a highly porous material such that thewater may penetrate from the moulded body into the plant substrate alsoin the lower area and, especially if an outer envelope 62 is provided,as represented, an improved water transport to the upper area 55 isensured. To prevent the entrance of foreign bodies (plant substrate,leaves, etc.), a sieve insert 59 is disposed in the opening of themoulded body.

A noticeable feature is the alternative sieve insert 70, which isillustrated separately in FIG. 16 for more clarity and may be usedinstead of sieve insert 59: it is provided with a central projection 71,thereby forming a circular rim 72. Projection 71 may serve as a handlefor its removal from moulded body 46, and circular rim 72 allows itsplacement on a support. All in all, this shape also allows a significantimprovement of the stackability.

For a reduced evaporation and a more regular moisture supply, mouldedbodies 46 may be filled with clay granules as known for hydroculture, orwith other, more particularly water-absorbing, materials.

All in all, the bodies that are thrust into the plant substrate fromabove provide a loosening effect and constitute a watering aid byconducting the supplied water directly into the plant substrate andadditionally storing it temporarily for a sustained supply to thesurrounding soil. Inter alia, this prevents that the supplied waterflows off on the surface, and by flowing down to apex 50 along thesurface of the moulded body, the water is conducted to the interior ofthe plant substrate and of the root ball.

Amongst others, this arrangement offers the following advantages:

-   -   simplified watering in the case of compacted root balls;    -   a more harmonic water distribution;    -   additional water storage in the apex of the cone;    -   optimum fertilizing effect (also applicable as long-term        fertilizer insert)    -   additional aeration from above even in the case of a mudded        and/or incrusted surface of the plant substrate;    -   simple handling;    -   advantageous price-performance ratio, simple manufacture;    -   improved growth;    -   synergies in conjunction with a saucer forming a reservoir and        moulded bodies for watering and aeration from below,        particularly one of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 12;    -   substantially invisible.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section of a planting container 3 with a mouldedbody 1 disposed at the bottom of pot 3 and covered with plant substrate60, as well as two moulded bodies 46 inserted from above. The improvedaeration and water supply result in a more regular growth of roots 61,particularly also more towards the center of the content of the plantingcontainer. Planting container 3 rests on a saucer 63, which in turn isdisposed in a cachepot 64.

FIG. 18 shows a watering aid 76 for use with moulded bodies 46 that areinserted from above. It comprises connections 77 for the attachment ofmoulded bodies 46. Watering aid 76 is made of an elastic material, sothat moulded bodies 46 can be placed on the surface of the content ofthe planting container in an arrangement as defined by watering aid 76.Subsequently, they are successively thrust into the content of thecontainer, possibly in several passes. Water is supplied through funnel78, which is also arranged directly above one of moulded bodies 46 inthis case. At the same time, the supplied water is effortlesslyconducted to the other moulded bodies 46.

An outdoor application of moulded bodies 46 is also possible,particularly in conjunction with the watering aid.

For a further improved effect, moulded bodies 46 are surrounded by alayer of capillary granules 51 in order to achieve an improveddistribution of the penetrating water and to additionally counteractsilting.

Finally, FIG. 19 shows a planting container 3 where the moulded body isintegrated in the container as a moulded portion 81 in the form of aprojection 15. The rounded shape similar to an igloo is dictated, interalia, by technicalities relating to the manufacture of the plantingcontainer from clay. The bottom of the container is provided with waterdrainage holes 83.

In the represented embodiment, the moulded body of the invention isreduced to projection 15. It is however conceivable to design themoulded portion e.g. substantially according to one of the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3 to 11. The height of projection 15 ispreferably equal to ⅕ or ¼ of that of the filling height of the plantingcontainer, and to ½ at the most. In bonsai cultures, where shallowplanting containers are used, the height of the projection(s) will benearer to the upper limit or may even be greater.

In summary, projection 15, which is preferably approximately conical orpyramidal in shape and projects into the root ball from above and/orfrom below, provides a harmonic supply of the roots not only in moisturebut also in nutrients and air both at the surface resp. at the bottom ofthe container and in its interior. Therefore, the moulded bodies of theinvention are particularly useful for so-called biological cultures(biologically highly active substrates having a high oxygen demand) andhyarocultures where the moulded bodies furthermore cover the usual waterdrainage holes at the bottom of the planting containers and therebyprevent the outgrowth of the roots.

From the preceding examples, a large number of modifications areaccessible to those skilled in the art without leaving the scope of theinvention as defined in the claims, such as, inter alia:

-   -   Manufacture of the projection or of the entire moulded body from        capillary rigid expanded plastics, preferably comprising a        fine-meshed superficial fleece in order to prevent the ingrowth        of roots.    -   Reinforcement of the apex of the cone with a cap of stainless        steel or plastics material, thereby allowing to pierce the        bottom of a planting pot of plastics material.    -   A surrounding compensating ring (FIG. 10) made of sponge, e.g.        of polyurethane.    -   Use of a flexible moulded piece of polyurethane foam instead of        a wick extending from the apex of the cone.    -   Moulded bodies with incorporated nutrients and additives for        providing a long-lasting supply of these substances.    -   A planting container having the moulded body integrated in the        bottom, e.g. according to FIG. 19, with more than one integrated        moulded body (81).    -   A moulded body for embedding in the plant substrate having a        different shape of the projection, e.g. an essentially        cylindrical and/or centrally enlarged shape, to form an enlarged        reservoir when used as a watering aid.    -   Sieve insert (59) provided with an enlarged rim for covering the        edge of the moulded body, thereby preventing moisture supply and        evaporation at the upper edge of the moulded body and thus the        formation of microflora (algae, etc.), particularly in moulded        bodies made of capillary materials.

1. A molded body for improving the cultivating conditions of a plant,comprising: an annular base having a hollow projection formed as onepiece with said base, said projection being tapered from a proximal endto a distal end thereof, wherein an entirety of said molded body is madeof a water-permeable material for conducting a fluid from said proximalend to said distal end, said base having a convex portion that defines acavity therein, said convex portion facing a direction opposite to thatof said projection and being open to said proximal end of saidprojection, said convex portion forms a fluid reservoir, and an annularridge surrounding said projection, so that an annular trough is definedby said projection and said annular ridge.
 2. The molded body accordingto claim 1, wherein the water-permeable material comprises effectiveamounts of at least one additive that increases the porosity and iscapable of storing liquids.
 3. The molded body according to claim 2,wherein said at least one additive are zeolites.
 4. The molded bodyaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of nutrients and additivesare incorporated in said molded body in order to provide a long-termsupply of said nutrients and additives.
 5. The molded body according toclaim 1, wherein at least said projection consists of a polymeric,water-permeable rigid expanded plastics material.
 6. The molded bodyaccording to claim 1, wherein at least said distal end of saidprojection is covered by a cap of a more rigid material to allow thinsynthetic materials and the plant substrate to be pierced substantiallywithout damaging said projection.
 7. The molded body according to claim1, wherein said projection is essentially in the shape of a solid orhollow cone.
 8. A planting container having at least one molded bodyaccording to claim 1 formed thereon.
 9. A planting container comprisingsaid molded body according to claim 1, wherein a bottom of said plantingcontainer is said base of said molded body.
 10. A plant cultivatingassembly comprising: a planting container for receiving a plantsubstrate and a plant; and at least one molded body according to claim 1disposed at a bottom of said planting container or below said plantingcontainer, said projection of said molded body projecting into aninterior of said planting container in order to ensure a liquid exchangeand an aeration inside said planting container.
 11. The plantcultivating assembly according to claim 10, wherein a height of saidprojection is between one fifth and one half of a filling height of saidplanting container.
 12. The plant cultivating assembly according toclaim 10, further comprising a layer of granular water-storing materialprovided at the bottom of the planting container, an effective portionof said projection extending above said layer in order to create awater-storing zone at the bottom of the planting container wherein aliquid exchange between said zone and the plant substrate disposed abovesaid zone is ensured by said projection.
 13. The plant cultivatingassembly according to claim 12, wherein said granular water-storingmaterial is granular clay.
 14. The plant cultivating assembly accordingto claim 13, further comprising a trough disposed at the bottom of saidplanting container or underneath said planting container, an upper edgeof said trough acting as an overflow so that a maximum level in a waterreservoir at said bottom of said planting container is lower than afilling height of a water-storing material positioned below said plantsubstrate in order to avoid direct contact between said plant substrateand said water.
 15. The plant cultivating assembly according to claim 10further comprising another molded body connected to a water-conductingdevice.
 16. The molded body according to claim 1, wherein an entirety ofsaid molded body is a capillary water-conducting material.
 17. A moldedbody for improving the cultivating conditions of a plant, comprising: anannular substantially convex base and a hollow projection having aproximal end and formed as one-piece with said base, said projectionbeing tapered from said proximal end to a distal end, at least part ofsaid projection being a water-permeable material for conducting a fluidfrom said proximal end to said distal end thereof, said distal end ofsaid projection pointing in a first direction, said base being open tosaid proximal end of said projection and defining a fluid reservoir thatfaces a second direction opposite to said fluid direction, and anannular ridge surrounding said projection, so that an annular trough isdefined by said projection and said annular ridge.